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MANILA, Philippines – Senator Grace Poe warned that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could further trigger gender-based violence, as many women are forced to stay home.
During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence in the Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II and in the 18 Day Campaign against Gender Violence sponsored by the Austrian Embassy, Poe said that in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gender- Grassroots violence demands “immediate and full attention” as it is also a global phenomenon.
The world is battling the COVID-19 virus, which has become one of the deadliest health pandemics. But there is another global pandemic, which also demands our immediate and full attention. Gender-based violence is a global phenomenon that is estimated to affect one in three women in her lifetime, ”said Poe.
“One of the most serious violations of human rights is violence against women and girls. It has a negative and long-term impact on the well-being of the survivors, as well as their family and the community in general, ”added the senator.
Poe cited a 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey, where it showed that Filipino women ages 15 to 49 have experienced physical, emotional or sexual violence by their husband or partner.
The senator also cited another study, this time published by the Population Institute of the University of the Philippines, where he projected a 20 percent increase in the incidence of domestic violence during the lockdown caused by the pandemic.
Poe, who chaired the Senate public information and media committee, also warned that gender-based violence not only occurs within homes, but can be perpetuated by those in power.
“Government regulation that borders on intimidation and pronouncements that harass women journalists is a form of violence,” she said.
“This form of violence is also a means of repressing the truth. When dissent is silenced and the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press is restricted, the people’s right to information is undermined ”, added the senator.
To combat gender violence, Poe is a co-author of the Republic Law 11313 or the Safe Spaces Law, which was enacted by President Rodrigo Duterte in April 2019.
“It is our responsibility to our daughters, mothers and sisters to create an environment that can protect them from all forms of violence and abuse. We call our mothers ‘home light’, so it is our duty not to let their light darken (Our mothers are called ‘home light’, so it is our duty not to lose this light) “. Poe said.
/ MUF
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